How to Remove an Existing Shower & Tub Faucet

Replace an outdated faucet.

The faucet on a combination tub and shower consists of a tub spout over the tub, a handle or handles and a shower head. The handles turn the water on and off, and water is dispensed from the tub spout or the shower head when the water is turned on. If your faucet looks worn and outdated, replace it with a new, modern faucet. Simply remove the old faucet in order to install a new faucet that suits your décor and personal style.

Remove Faucet Handles

1

Turn the shut-off valve on the water line for the shower and tub to turn off the water. Turn off the water at the water main if you don't have a shut-off valve for the tub and shower. Turn the faucet handles on to drain water remaining in the lines.

2

Place the tip of a screwdriver beneath the edge of the decorative cap on a handle to pry it off. Repeat to remove all decorative caps.

3

Turn screws in the center of the faucet handles counterclockwise to remove them, and pull the handles off.

4

Remove screws securing the decorative plate or plates behind handles. Place the edge of a putty knife under the rim of the decorative plates to pry them off.

Remove the Spout

1

Inspect the spout to determine if it is secured with a set screw.

2

Remove a set screw with a hex key wrench. Proceed to the next step if the spout is not secured with a set screw.

3

Use a pipe wrench to grasp the tub spout and turn it counterclockwise to remove it from its threads if it does not have a set screw.

Remove Shower Head and Shower Arm

1

Grasp the part of the shower head that connects to the shower arm with a pipe wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

2

Turn the connecting end of the shower head counterclockwise by hand to remove it.

3

Grasp the shower arm with the pipe wrench and turn it counterclockwise to remove it if you wish to replace it.

About the Author

Amy Kingston has been a professional writer since 2001. She has written articles for various publications, including "Health" magazine, "Jackson Parenting" magazine, the "Bolivar Bulletin" newspaper and "A Musician's Pursuit." Kingston was also published in "Voices of Bipolar Disorder."